Rahmetullah Azad, a 60-year-old man living in Iran, has traveled to 80 countries on his bicycle over 40 years to draw attention to world peace. Azad, who lives near the capital city of Tehran in Iran, decided to travel by bicycle at a young age to draw attention to the oppression, injustice, and wars happening around the world.
Pedaling for 40 years, Azad has traveled to 80 countries across the continents of Africa, Europe, and Asia, delivering messages of peace everywhere he goes and uniting with people. Recently, he set out on the road again to organize a tour of Turkey.
Overcoming challenging roads and pedaling through many provinces such as Muş, Kayseri, and Sivas on his bicycle day and night, Azad took a break in Ağrı, visited the Turkish Red Crescent Branch, and became a guest of the people in the town of Taşlıçay. Resting during breaks, Azad, despite rainy weather, resumes his journey and sometimes has to walk instead of riding his “modest” bicycle on uphill roads.
Arriving in the town of Doğubayazıt on his bicycle, Azad rested for a while before continuing his journey towards his country. He expressed that there are injustices in the world, and when he sees suffering people, he feels very sad, so he travels to countries by bicycle to bring a message of peace to conscientious people.
“Allah has granted many blessings to people in this world, but there are many problems. Hopefully, there will be no wars in the world, only peace. Bombs, rockets, and oppression are a disgrace,” Azad said, expressing his wish for peace in the world. Azad recounted traveling to countries like Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Russia, India, Thailand, and Kenya on his bicycle.
Azad mentioned changing bicycles approximately every 10 years, stating, “I have faith and willpower, Allah protects me. Turkey is a beautiful country, there is humanity and faith. When I go to mosques, markets, and bazaars, everyone greets me very well, there are very good people. Thank you very much,” he said. The cyclist, who said he sleeps at gas stations, mosques, and camp tents nearby, added, “I have been traveling the world for 40 years. I have pedaled thousands of kilometers for 80 countries. I am 60 years old and have never been to the hospital.”